Reflective overlay for shade umbrellas

ABSTRACT

A reflective overlay for shade umbrellas that is both functional and decorative. A substantially circular piece of fabric with a reflective outer surface has a central aperture for positioning on a host umbrella. Built into the periphery are a multiplicity of flaps with gaps between adjacent flaps and at least two attachment means connected to the outer periphery at said gaps for removably attaching the reflective overlay at the periphery of a host umbrella dome.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to improved sun repelling shade umbrellas and, more particularly, this invention relates to reflective overlays for existing shade umbrellas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shade umbrellas, such as beach and patio table umbrellas, stop a significant percentage of the sun's rays from penetrating, but that is not necessarily sufficient for some unusually sensitive users, or those who wish to spend a great deal of a day at a beach under an umbrella. Prior to the conception and development of this invention, there has been little that such users could do about insufficient shade umbrella aside from adding lots of sunscreen lotion to their bodies.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,848, Parsons discloses a reflective mesh lattice work forming a shade umbrella for reflecting heat and sun, but Parsons' emphasis is on improved air circulation to keep it cooler under the umbrella.

Chinese patent No. 1,765,255 discloses a reflecting umbrella, primarily for night-time visibility, but sun-shading is mentioned as another function. At least one reflecting sun-shade umbrella, the Windbrella SolarTech, is commercially available, but one must purchase and transport the entire umbrella assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a reflective overlay for shade umbrellas that is both functional and decorative. A substantially circular reflective member has a central aperture for positioning on a host umbrella. Built into the periphery are a multiplicity of flaps with gaps between adjacent flaps and at least two attachment means connected to the outer periphery at said gaps for removably attaching the reflective overlay at the periphery of a host umbrella dome. Optionally, the reflective overlay may have folding radial support ribs emanating from a ring defining a central aperture.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a separate overlay to increase the sun repellence of a shade umbrella.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable beach umbrella appliance that will decrease the temperature underneath a shade umbrella.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an attractive, readily transportable reflective overlay that is convenient for use by vacationers who desire better sun reflectance when renting beach umbrellas.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and convenient means of being able to vary the amount of sunlight coming through a shade umbrella.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view.

FIG. 2 is a top partial enlarged view.

DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shade umbrella overlay 10 in accordance with the invention. The overlay 10 is about to be placed on a host umbrella 16. The circular piece of reflective fabric 12 has a central aperture 14 to fit over the top of the central post of the host umbrella 16. The central aperture 14 preferably would be defined by a rigid ring. The main body fabric 12 may be one large flat piece, or contoured to an umbrella canopy by sewing panels together radiating and expanding outward from the central aperture 14. Optionally, it can be attached on the underside to rigid ribs radiating out from the center aperture 14.

At the outer periphery of overlay 10, multiple flaps 20 have been attached or preferably built in to provide a scalloped edge so as to improve the appearance and provide some additional shade when the sun angle is low. Also attached along the periphery between flaps are hold-down loops 18, which temporarily secure the overlay 10 to the host umbrella 16. The loops may be rigid, flexible, or preferably, elastic. Preferably, there is a hold-down loop at every rib end of the host umbrella to ensure that wind does not blow the overlay off.

FIG. 2 is a top partial enlarged view of the peripheral area of the main body fabric 12. In the gap between edge flaps 20 are hold-down loops 18.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the overlay is connected to its own rib structure to make the overlay foldable for separate storage and transportation in it own case.

While a presently preferred and alternative embodiment of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A reflective overlay for shade umbrellas comprising: a) a substantially circular reflective member with a central aperture; b) a multiplicity of arcuate edge flaps built into outer periphery of said circular reflective member with gaps between adjacent flaps; and c) at least two attachment means connected to said outer periphery at said gaps for removably attaching said reflective overlay to spokes of a host umbrella dome.
 2. The reflective overlay, according to claim 1, wherein said reflective member includes a substantially circular piece of fabric with a visible and ultraviolet light-reflective layer forming an outer surface of said fabric.
 3. The reflective overlay, according to claim 2, wherein said reflective layer is an applied coating.
 4. The reflective overlay, according to claim 2, wherein said reflective layer is a glued-on shiny reflective material.
 5. The reflective overlay, according to claim 1, wherein said circular reflective member is composed of individually reflective fibers.
 6. The reflective overlay, according to claim 1, wherein said central aperture is defined by a substantially rigid ring.
 7. The reflective overlay, according to claim 2, wherein said substantially circular piece of fabric is formed with a multiplicity of panels.
 8. (canceled)
 9. The reflective overlay, according to claim 2, wherein said substantially circular piece of fabric is reinforced by an array of radial ribs.
 10. The reflective overlay, according to claim 1, wherein said attachment means are elastic loops.
 11. The reflective overlay, according to claim 1, wherein said attachment means are adhesive-backed hook and loop fasteners.
 12. The reflective overlay, according to claim 1, wherein said attachment means are substantially rigid loops flexibly attached to said periphery of said substantially circular reflective member between said edge flaps.
 13. (canceled) 